Thousands take to streets of Edinburgh in anti-fascist protest

THOUSANDS of people marched through the centre of Edinburgh on an anti-fascist protest this afternoon.

Supporters of the Scotland United rally gathered in Princes Street Gardens to hear addresses from politicians including Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill and city leader Jenny Dawe. They then marched up The Mound and along George IV Bridge to The Meadows.

A breakaway group gathered at the bottom of the Royal Mile close to the Jenny Ha pub, where members of the right-wing organisation the Scottish Defence League were believed to be drinking.

A heavy police cordon closed off the street around the pub to keep protesters at a distance, with officers at times lining up against the pub doorway to prevent anyone stepping outside.

Despite the stand-off, violent outbreaks appear to have been avoided.

By the time the main march reached its final point at The Meadows around 2pm, police said no arrests had been made in connection with the protests.

• Members of the SDL and the English Defence League being contained by the police outside the Jenny Ha's pub on the Canongate. Picture: Jane Barlow

• Hundreds of police keep apart anti-fascist rally protesters and members of the SDL. Picture: Jane Barlow